2015 Batar
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Tasting notes
50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Bianco. ‘Ample rain and cool temperatures in the winter were followed by dry, perfect spring conditions which led to even budburst throughout the valley. Summer was dry with sporadic rainfall. Heat spike early in the summer kept bunches small resulting in a lower yield and beautiful concentration.’ Harvest 20 August to 4 September. Deep coppery gold. A little more restrained on the nose with just a hint of blossom. With lots of heft and evolution and with quite an undertow. A little sweet on the end. Muscular. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Buttery nose and even more buttery palate. Maximum oak and lactic influence here, and the ripe fruit is rather swamped. Long, toasty finish. Subtlety is not its middle name – but that sheer power is impressive. (RH)
Hedonistic oak, white fruit and lemon nose. The fruit is still a little subdued on the palate but with a clear, underlying richness. Long, deep and concentrated fruit that needs time to tone down and show the citric nerve underneath. (WS)
Querciabella's 2015 Batàr (Chardonnay/Pinot Bianco) is very delicate and restrained, especially within the context of the year. Lemon confit, white flowers, orange peel and mint all develop nicely in the glass, but it is the wine's persistence that stands out most. The 2015 is one of the most polished, gracious Batàrs I can remember tasting.
About the producer
Literally translating as “beautiful oak”, Querciabella was created in 1974 by Giuseppe Castiglioni. A pioneer in Chianti, he started farming biodynamically and experimenting with both varieties and winemaking – one result of which was Camartina, the property’s flagship Super Tuscan.